Delbert McClinton
One of the Fortunate Few (Rising Tide) (star) (star) (star) 1/2
This honky-tonk hero has been so busy lending his voice to other artists’ albums that it’s possible he’s been too busy to record an album of his own in the last four years. On “One of the Fortunate Few,” McClinton gets support from the likes of Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Lyle Lovett, Pam Tillis, Mavis Staples, B.B. King and John Prine. The Lubbock native’s as country as they come, but what distinguishes his work is an innate R&B sensibility that manages to evoke Nashville, Memphis and Austin. This is especially true in such down-and-dirty numbers as “You Were Never Mine” and “Better Off With the Blues,” which show off his fine raspy voice and harmonica chops. This one keeps rockin’ from start to finish.